Drummond, Pistons withstand late rally to beat Pacers 104-98

The Detroit Pistons refused to blow another big lead in Indiana.
Andre Drummond finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds, and Detroit withstood another late rally to beat the Pacers 104-98 on Friday night.

Posted: Dec 16, 2017 1:49 AM

Posted By: Associated Press

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — The Detroit Pistons refused to blow another big lead in Indiana.

Andre Drummond finished with 23 points and 13 rebounds, and Detroit withstood another late rally to beat the Pacers 104-98 on Friday night.

Reggie Bullock finished with 15 points for Detroit, which let a 22-point cushion get away last time it was in Indianapolis.

"I thought we fought through a lot at the end," Pistons coach Stan Van Gundy said. "They went on a big run and our guys just hung in there and fought through the pressure. We just kept playing and got some big shots down the stretch. I would've taken a 15-point win, but I think to be good you have to be able to win in different ways."

The Pistons had their biggest lead of the game at 95-79 with 9:12 to play before the Pacers put together a late offensive surge.

Indiana outscored Detroit 19-5 during the final eight minutes and had a chance to take the lead on Myles Turner's 3-point attempt with less than 30 seconds left, but the shot fell short and Detroit grabbed the rebound.

Drummond's biggest basket of the night came with about four minutes to play when he was fouled on a follow shot after Ish Smith missed a jumper. Drummond made his free throw, which gave Detroit a 100-93 lead.

The Pistons jumped out quickly behind Drummond, who dominated inside with eight points and eight rebounds during the first quarter. The Pistons led Indiana 27-19 at the end of the period.

The Pistons led by as many as 14 points during the first half, but Indiana closed with a 21-9 scoring run that gave the Pacers a 54-52 lead at halftime. Detroit opened the second half on a 7-0 run. The Pistons then ended the third quarter on a 13-4 run and entered the fourth quarter with an 86-74 lead.

The Pacers never led by more than four points.

"We did dig a hole tonight," Pacers coach Nate McMillan said. "We've got to stay together and understand that in situations like that when you're playing from behind, one guy is not going to be able to do it. And you've got to do it together."

TIP-INS

Pistons: Avery Bradley was held out of Friday night's game due to a right adductor (groin) strain. Bradley went through pregame warmups with the team before notifying Van Gundy he was not able to play. ... After starting the season 10-3, the Pistons have gone 6-10, including two straight wins. ... Drummond recorded his 20th double-double of the season.

Pacers: Indiana is 11-7 against Eastern Conference opponents, with five wins coming against Central Division rivals.

Van Gundy earned his 500th career win. Van Gundy has compiled a 500-354 record over 12 seasons in the NBA, which includes prior stints with the Heat and Magic. In his fourth season with Detroit, Van Gundy also serves as the organization's president of basketball operations.

COVID-19 Important links and resources

As the spread of COVID-19, or as it's more commonly known as the coronavirus continues, this page will serve as your one-stop for the resources you need to stay informed and to keep you and your family safe. CLICK HERE

Closings related to the prevention of the COVID-19 can be found on our Closings page.